Male' fish market | The
Islamic Centre | The Local Market
Huskuru Miskiiy | Mulee-aage |
The National Museum
 Male' fish market
The main commercial area of Male' is located on the northern waterfront of
Male'. This area is the main hub of trade and is a hive of activity through
out the day. The waterfront and the by-lanes in the area are crowded with
shops stocked with a variety of goods. Also in the area are the Male' Fish
Market and the Local Market selling a range of local produce. While some
'dhonis' from all corners of the country unload dried fish, fresh fruits and
vegetables from the atolls others are seen loading everything from
foodstuffs to construction materials. The pace increases in mid-afternoon as
fishing 'dhonis' start returning with their day's catch. The catch, mainly
tuna are carried across the road into the open-sided market and laid out on
the tiled floors. As fast as the fish are brought in they are bought and
taken away by men from all walks of life. The market is kept scrupulously
clean, washed down each day and disinfected.
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The Islamic Centre
The Islamic Centre is the most vivid architectural landmark of Male'. You
would see the spectacular golden dome in all its majesty dominating the
skyline, as you approach Male', from any direction. The building symbolizes
the importance of Islamic religion, which had ruled all aspects of life in
the country for centuries. Completed in 1984, the Centre consists of a
mosque big enough for 5000 people, an Islamic library, conference hall,
classrooms and offices.
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The Local Market
The Local Market, just a block away from the Male' Fish Market on the
northern waterfront, is divided into small stalls. Here the pace is slower
and the atmosphere peaceful, compared to the hectic activity in the rest of
this neighborhood. Each stall is filled with a variety of local produce
mainly from the atolls. Here you will find different kinds of local
vegetables, fruits and yams, packets of sweetmeat, nuts and breadfruit
chips, bottles of home made sweets and pickles and bunches of bananas
hanging on coir ropes from ceiling beams. Another building just next door
sells smoked and dried fish.
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Huskuru Miskiiy
Built in the 17th century the Huskuru Miskiiy or Friday Mosque served the
population of Male' as their main mosque for almost four centuries, until
the Islamic Centre and Grand Friday Mosque took over the function in 1984.
Built by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar in 1656 the mosque is a masterpiece of
coral curving and traditional workmanship - probably the best display of
coral curving anywhere in the world. The walls of the mosque are hewn
together with blocks of filigree-curved coral blocks. Heavy wooden doors
slide open to the inner sanctums with lamp hangings of wood and panels
intricately curved with Arabic writings. The area surrounding the mosque is
a cemetery with a legion of intricately curved coral headstones. The
Munnaaru or minaret in front of the mosque, used to call the faithful to
prayer was built in 1675 by the same Sultan.
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Mulee-aage
Right in front of the Hukuru Miskiiy is Mulee-aage, a palace built in 1906
by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III, replacing a house dating back to the
mid-17th century. The palace with its wrought iron gates and fretwork
friezes on its roof edges and well-kept garden was intended for his son, but
the Sultan was deposed. During World War II vegetables were grown in its
garden to help relieve food shortages. It became the President's Official
Residence when Maldives became a republic in 1953 and remained so until
1994, when the new Presidential Palace was built. At present Mulee-aage
houses the President's Office.
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The National Museum
The National Museum is housed in the only remaining building of the former
Sultan's Palace, which is now the Sultan's Park. It is an Edwardian
colonial-style building of three storey, fairly low key from the outside
compared to the amazing collection inside. The articles on display range
from thrones and palanquins used by former sultans to the first printing
press used in the country, the rifle used by Mohamed Thakurufaanu in his
fight against the Portuguese in the 16th century, ceremonial robes, headgear
and umbrellas used by Sultans to statues and other figures dating from 11th
century, excavated from former temples. A variety of artifacts from times
past would give an idea of the unique and rich culture and history of this
island nation. A visit to the museum gives an instant insight to the wealth
of history most visitors never suspect existed. No longer will you think of
the Maldives solely in terms of a tourist destination. The museum is open
daily except Friday and public holidays from 9.00 to 11.40 and 3.00 to 5.40.
A small fee is charges for admission.
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